Head of French

The Vacancy

• Permanent

• Salary £47,344-£63,133 full-time equivalent, dependent on experience

• Starting 1 September 2026

Head of French

We are seeking an inspiring and intellectually ambitious Head of French to lead and develop this vibrant and academically rigorous subject from September 2026. This is a permanent position and an exciting opportunity for a committed linguist to shape a curriculum that is both intellectually challenging and culturally rich.

French is a highly valued subject within the languages faculty, with strong uptake at GCSE and A level. The subject plays a central role in promoting linguistic confidence, cultural understanding and global awareness, and contributes significantly to the wider academic life of the school.

The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner with the vision, confidence and subject expertise to lead a high-quality French curriculum across the Senior School. They will inspire pupils to develop fluency, accuracy and independence in their use of language, while fostering a genuine interest in the cultures, histories and societies of the French-speaking world.

Alongside responsibility for examination courses, the role offers the opportunity to lead curriculum development, enrichment and the wider profile of French within the school. This may include developing and leading trips and partnerships, and promoting authentic language use beyond the classroom.

We are particularly keen to attract a colleague who values academic rigour, enjoys fostering discussion and cultural engagement, and is motivated by continuous improvement. This post would suit either an experienced Head of Department or an outstanding teacher ready to take the next step into subject leadership within a supportive and ambitious environment.

French at GSAL

French is a thriving and academically rigorous subject at The Grammar School at Leeds. It is studied by pupils from Year 7 and alongside Spanish, German and Latin. Strong uptake at GCSE and A level, reflects both the strength of the department and pupils' engagement with the subject.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop fluency, grammatical accuracy and confidence in communication, while also fostering a deep understanding of the cultures, histories and societies of the French-speaking world. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, express themselves with increasing sophistication and engage authentically with the language.

The department is committed to high academic standards and to creating an environment in which pupils are both challenged and supported. Teaching is characterised by clarity, strong subject knowledge and a focus on meaningful language use.

About GSAL

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) was awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent Secondary School of the Decade in 2021. The school continues to be a friendly, fun and supportive environment with high investment in pupil and colleague wellbeing, while insisting upon and maintaining high expectations.

'Be inspired' is the ethos behind our teaching and learning at GSAL. We nurture all our pupils to make the most of their talents, realise their potential and develop into confident young people ready to rise to any challenge. These values have been at the heart of our school life for over four centuries.

GSAL provides a high-quality independent education for 2,100 boys and girls between the ages of three and 18. The main school campus at Alwoodley Gates in north Leeds was purpose built for Leeds Grammar School, which relocated in 1997 from the city centre.

GSAL is academically selective, with consistently excellent A level and GCSE results. After merger, the school introduced the diamond model of teaching, through which boys and girls learn together up to age 11, then in single sex classes between Year 7 and Year 11, and come together again in Sixth Form lessons. Form time and extracurricular activities are mixed throughout. Class sizes are usually between 16 and 24.

Academic achievement is at the heart of a rounded education at GSAL, which offers our students personal development opportunities and broad experience beyond the classroom. With superb facilities available in school, students can take part in sport, music, drama, scouts, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, debating and much more. We offer an outdoor learning programme and a wide variety of trips at home and abroad. Our lively house system encourages students to get involved and have fun.

This success can only be achieved with committed, professional and well-qualified colleagues who are focused upon excellence in the classroom and contributions to the wider life of the school. Colleagues have a good degree of autonomy in their teaching, outstanding learning resources and an attractive benefits package. A large school offers opportunities for CPD, career progression and leadership roles in academic, pastoral and extracurricular areas.

Benefits

We value our colleagues and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks)

• Significant discount on school fees (eligibility applies)

• Enhanced, generous PPA time, with most meetings held within the school day

• Small class sizes with Y7 average being 24 and is even smaller as pupils move through the school

• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3-11)

• Defined Contribution pension scheme through Aviva (0% employee contribution, 21% employer contribution, plus 4x salary life insurance)

• Training and CPD, including at least five INSET days

• Three-course colleague lunches for £2.40, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate

• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health Hero

• Employee Assistance Programme through Perkbox, including counselling, legal and financial advice

• Discounts through Perkbox, teacher discounts and Extras

• Scenic lunchtime walking routes across the 140-acre site

• Onsite gym and swimming pool, plus fitness classes (Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps)

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

• Free onsite parking

• Access to the school's extensive library facilities

• Generous leave of absence scheme

• Opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities, wellbeing initiatives and community events

How to apply

If you're passionate about shaping students' educational experiences and contributing to a vibrant learning community, we encourage you to apply. Simply complete the online application form available on our website. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application.

More information about the school, role and responsibilities are contained in the job description and person specification attached in the documents section on our website advert. Please note we cannot offer tours or visits due to the high volume of interest. A virtual tour can be found on our website jobs page and a full tour is provided as part of the interviewing process.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected]

Application closing date: 08:00 Tuesday 5 May 2026

Interview date: Thursday 14 May 2026

The Company